Overview & Reviews

There are affordable cars, and then there are cars that offer thrilling performance. Rarely do the two ever converge, but Japanese automaker Mazda has made it a tradition of coming up with vehicles that combine both of these eminently desirable traits.

The Toyo Cork Kogyo Company, founded in 1920 in Hiroshima, Japan, used the name "Mazda" for its first three-wheeled truck, built in 1931. Company founder Jujiro Matsuda chose the word "Mazda" because it was the name of the Zoroastrian god of good and light. Work on a small sedan began in the late 1930s, but development was halted so the company could pitch in with Japan's war effort. In the wake of World War II and the rebuilding that followed, the company refocused its efforts on car development and manufacturing.

By 1960, the first Mazda automobile -- the R360 coupe -- was developed, and the company's foray into the production of passenger vehicles began in full force. Other landmark developments were soon to follow. In 1961, the company entered into a technical partnership with NSU and Wankel to develop and produce rotary engines, a union that led to Mazda's distinguishing itself as the only manufacturer to offer three engine configurations: conventional gasoline piston, diesel and rotary. The '60s also saw the introduction of the company's first pickup, the B-Series 1500, as well as its first rotary-engine vehicle, the 110S Cosmo Sport.

Mazda began selling cars in the U.S. in 1970. In the early part of the decade, the automaker rolled out the RX-2. Powered by the noted 12A rotary, the RX-2 introduced America to Mazda's effort to build cars that were affordable and fun to drive. The decade also saw the introduction of the RX-3, RX-4 and now iconic rotary-powered RX-7 sports car. In 1979, Ford Motor Company purchased a 25 percent stake in Mazda after the Japanese company encountered a number of financial difficulties.

The 1980s was a decade of rebirth for Mazda. The company officially took on the Mazda name (though all its vehicles since its launch in the '20s have carried that brand). It also witnessed an upswing in sales sparked by successful new products like the 323 (which was first called the GLC in the American market) and 626. The 1990 model year saw the launch of a car that would prove a huge hit for Mazda: the MX-5 Miata. Lauded for its ultra-responsive handling and affordability, the drop top has been a consistent favorite, and now holds the distinction of being the world's best-selling roadster.

Mazda began the 1990s with a bang by winning Le Mans with the 787B; it was the first time a Japanese automaker had won the prestigious race, and marked the only win for a rotary engine. Vehicles like the RX-7 and MX-5 Miata scored kudos from automotive journalists, and landed on many top 10 lists. However, save for the Miata, the company's vehicles experienced declining sales in the U.S., and the company's fortunes suffered as a result.

The new millennium has seen Mazda regain its stride, as the automaker has invested in new development. Models like the Mazda 2 and CX-9 have broadened the lineup and won over a whole new generation of fans, while the enthusiast-oriented RX-8 and Mazdaspeed performance models have exemplified the company's spirited philosophy. Most recently, Mazda has focused on designing its cars to be as fuel-efficient as possible while also still being fun to drive and affordable to own.

User Reviews:

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  Makes long commutes fun and sporty - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By ThrilledCommuter - September 14 - 4:56 pm

  I love this car! I considered an Audi A3 TDI, which was easily $15K more, but am ecstatic I got the Mazda3. More Money does not equal a better car! My Mazda3 has the technology package and moon & tune package, so I am smiling all the way to work. It performs pretty well, and has awesome cornering. However, downshifting can sometimes be slow. But that is the only mediocrity I have with the car. My mileage varies from 25 - 28 depending on how much highway driving I do. But that is something I expected before buying. The technology package rocks! I dont mind the navigation screen size, and love the bluetooth audio streaming. Very comfortable all around, and hints of high quality material.

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  CX7 Zoom Zoom - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By vfrguitarman - September 14 - 10:53 am

  I ride a sportbike, I like fun cars since they are a "bad" investment, and I usually buy US cars. Having said that, I love my CX7. It drives like a sports car and if you drive it like that then you will see poor gas mileage and accelerated tire wear. I get 19 mpg in town and until last night saw 21 mpg on the highway. Last night we went to purchase a used Mazda3 for my wife and I set the cruise at 65. With the tach at 2k rpm, I got 24.2 mpg! Very pleased. You need to keep under the power band of 2500 rpm or you will not get over 21 mpg, period. The factory tires are terrible in snow with the low aspect ratio profile. An upgrade to a better all season in the future. US guy converted to Zoom Zoom!

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  Our 3rd Mazda! - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
  By another mazda 4 me! - September 13 - 8:53 am

  We bought a 2007 Mazda5, then a 2009 Mazda5 for my wife. Now I wanted to spoil myself, and in addition to a big Ford 3/4 ton diesel pickup to tow our trailer, I wanted something nice, yet not as common and plain vanilla boring like a Honda or Toyota! The 09 Mazda6 is all new and a spectacular car, miles ahead of the competition on style, warranty and features...big value too. The Grand Touring S is near luxury, handles and performs with the class leaders, the fit and finish is world class, the pain job is layers deep and perfect. Incredible long non-copayment warranty is transferable includes a loan car when in for service. The interior is finished like an expensive business class car!

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  Love the Zoom-Zoom of this Minivan - 2004 Mazda MPV
  By Ary Arifin - September 13 - 2:00 am

  When I first heard the term "Body of a Minivan, Soul of a Sports Car" I was quite sceptical, til I test drove it. I tried the Sienna and Oddysey, but the MPV really had the bargain I was looking for. For the price of a somewhat "middle class" Sienna, I can get an MPV thats fully loaded, and I mean the works,leather, traction ctrl, sunroof.. everything! Handling is awesome. The V6 is strong & its as zippy as my Golf GTI, but less problematic =). I found out that the MPV is the only minivan here today made in Japan (the rest are US made) it has great resale value too. Truly a sports car disguised as a minivan.

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  Mazda Builds a Winning Car - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By Tennisjon - September 13 - 12:00 am

  I traded in a 1995 BMW M3 and I have almost no regrets. The insurance dropped in half. The comfort level increased in almost every way. I love the interior and exterior look. The trunk is extremely roomy. I have had only 2 minor problems: A squeaky seat belt and center console (fixed).

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  Fun, Nice, not for everyone - 2008 Mazda CX-7
  By Houston Dad - September 12 - 11:23 pm

  As I read my fellow CX-7 owners reviews I get the feeling that many of us purchased this car more due to looks and the ability to boast about having a turbo charged vehicle than anything else. Yes, the styling and presence of this vehicle cannot be denied. Nor can I say that it isnt fun to drive. However, if you are considering this car think about these few things: MPG - it gets at best 20 for me on highway and 17 combined on top of the fact that it needs premium fuel. If you think you are going to get away with less, the dealer will tell you that you can but you lose the whole point of having a turbo charged engine and might as well buy a 6 cylinder something else.

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  Impressive! - 2008 Mazda CX-9
  By Doug - September 12 - 7:23 pm

  After three months researching, the CX9 came out on top for comfort, zoom, distinct styling, and of course a non-boring ride. Looked at Lexus, Nissan, GMC, even Volkswagen. Nothing compares, it looks great, gets attention, lots of room, feels much smaller yet solid road feel. Suspension does a great job feeling like it wants to be driven. After two weeks, other cars had some pluses, but the overall package has to work together. Congrats to Mazda for raising an eyebrow of all other manufacturers! They wish they had the chemistry the CX9 has.

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  30000 miles, still love it but..... - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By 30000 miles - September 12 - 11:46 am

  Love the car but afraid of reliability. Been in shop 9 times so far for air pres. lights, check engine lights, power window problem, transmission computer problem. 3 gas caps, new gas tank filler line. Irregular tire wear due to misalignment. Just had 30000 mile check done. All seems well for now.

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  Tons of fun and a bargain - 2002 Mazda Millenia
  By hwybandit - September 11 - 10:00 am

  This car is well built, attractive and bargain priced compared to its competition. It is a blast to drive and has plenty of pickup. Love it on the highway.

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  Street Legal Go-Kart - 2000 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By tijerin - September 11 - 10:00 am

  This car is the most fun car to drive Ive ever owned! I dont know why I waited so long to buy one.